What to plant, where and when.

WHAT IS IT?

A piece of technology that provides better access to information about which species of turf, plants and trees will grow under what soil, water, aspect and climate conditions in specific geographical areas. The Which-Plant-Where Database also provides information about other species-specific outcomes, such as whether a plant attracts birds, creates mulch or contributes to soil quality. A developed version of this tool might also integrate the Risk-o-Meter and provide ratings for the riskiness of each species in terms of dropping limbs, tripping over roots and its ability to adapt to future climatic conditions.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

It aggregates data related to species and overlays this with Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping, weather data from the Bureau of Meteorology, and gives users an opportunity to geo-tag and upload images of plants and trees growing at street level. It could provide predictive analytics to determine what species will be best to plant not only in the short, -but also medium- to long-term future. This data is presented in a clear, sensible way that is as accessible to horticulturalists and council maintenance staff as it is to businesses, town planners, developers and residents.

WHY IT’S USEFUL

To educate council, planners, residents, landscapers and horticulturalists about what to plant, where and when.

To share knowledge between professionals and encourage citizen horticulture reporting.

To inform better local labelling of plants and trees at a consumer level.

To educate horticulture students.

REFERENCE PROJECTS

Microblitz, Plant Selector Plus, Save Water Plant Selector

WHAT PEOPLE SAID

"It is not good enough just to plant natives, you need to plant natives that are appropriate for the conditions and the local fauna. In our local area, with sometimes harsh coastal conditions in poor soils, it is the locally indigenous plants that are able to thrive and outcompete weeds. Building the local knowledge on specific plant choice is an ideal way of effectively increasing green space."

Sam McGuinness, Waverley Council, NSW.

"The plan needs to take a long-term perspective. While 2020 is only five years away, it is conceivable that long-lived green infrastructure, such as certain tree species, will still be around at the end of this century. Without significant action on climate change, it is possible that we will see 4°C of global warming by that time. In this context, the ‘Which-Plant-Where-Database’ becomes crucial, with the enduring legacy of the 202020 Vision not about what is achieved in the next five years, but what is still alive and thriving 30-50 years onwards."